To find solutions to pollution
and energy generation, scientists led by Gurmeet Singh from the University of
Delhi prepared core-shell nanocomposites by oxidizing diesel-derived soot. The
core was formed of spherical carbon nanobeads, while the shell was made of
manganese oxide.

Supercapacitors made of the
nanocomposites showed excellent conductivity and ability to store charge. Electrolyte could easily reach the core and shell of the
nanocomposites, contributing to charge storage. Presence of inter- and
intra-particle pores facilitated smooth flow of the electrolyte ions through
the material.

Since the pores facilitated fast transport of ions, the nanocomposites
displayed low resistance and improved conductivity. This method offers a cheap way to make energy
storage material by efficient recycling of hazardous diesel soot.

“Besides
their use in energy-storage devices and sensors, the nanocomposites could potentially
be used for making dry cells, carbon brushes and as activated carbon to recover
volatile organic solvents from air or vapour mixtures,” says Raj Kishore Sharma,
one of the researchers from the Delhi University.